Everyday Race Wheels
- By Aaron Hersh
- Published Dec 8, 2011
- Updated Apr 27, 2012 at 4:36 PM UTC
It’s a shame to spend four figures to upgrade your bike only to have that expensive new toy sit in the garage waiting for race day. Most triathletes who own a pair of the fastest, lightest all-carbon race wheels leave them at home between races while logging training miles on discount clunkers that came stock with their bike. If you’re looking for a fast race wheelset that’s also suited to everyday riding, these aluminum/carbon hybrid wheels—all less than $2,000—fit the mold.
Hed Jet 6*
1880 grams, 60mm deep
$1,600, Hedcycling.com
The Hed Jet 6 combines the smooth-riding, road-clutching feel that wide-rim clinchers are known for with an uncommonly stiff and predictable backbone. Testers said the Jet 6 “felt slightly stiffer both laterally and vertically than the [wide-rim] Bontragers.” This added stiffness let the wheels aggressively lean through tight corners and accelerate without creating a lateral tire-scrubbing sensation. According to one tester, “They transmit a bit more vibration than the Bontragers, although it’s not a dramatic increase.” And they clearly quiet road vibration and inspire confidence when cornering more effectively than the narrow-rim wheels tested. The Hed Jet 6’s combination of grip, vibration dampening and stiffness was unmatched in this review.
* Editor’s choice
FILED UNDER: Beginner Essentials / Gear & Tech TAGS: Triathlon Wheels / Wheels
Aaron Hersh
Aaron Hersh is the Senior Tech Editor of Triathlete magazine. To submit a question, write Aaron at Ahersh@competitorgroup.com.